Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
If you’re in search of the perfect sweet treat to bring a little holiday cheer to your table, the Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe is a must-bake! This loaf combines tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a buttery, moist crumb, making every bite taste unmistakably festive. Whether you serve it as a cozy breakfast, a showstopping dessert for guests, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf never fails to impress. Each ingredient works together to deliver a balance of flavors and textures you’ll want to revisit all season long. Get ready to make a loaf you’ll be proud to share!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—every item here brings something wonderful to the table! These simple pantry staples combine with fresh cranberries and orange zest to deliver outstanding flavor, color, and a touch of holiday magic in this Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure for your loaf, keeping everything tender yet sturdy enough to slice.
- Baking powder: Gives the loaf that lovely rise and helps keep it light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works hand in hand with the powder for the perfect crumb and soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances out the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, buttery base that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just enough without overpowering the cranberries’ tartness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moistness to the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings in that much-loved warmth and depth—pure comfort!
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: The secret to a lusciously moist loaf and a subtle tang that highlights the cranberries.
- Milk: Thins out the batter and ensures tenderness.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show—these juicy red jewels burst with tart, festive flavor.
- Orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that makes this loaf sing with holiday spirit.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and an earthy note—totally your call!
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Gives the crust a sparkling, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by greasing and lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a must for that even, golden top!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a perfectly risen, even crumb throughout your Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—don’t rush this step! It sets the stage for a beautifully tender loaf.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible, cozy aroma that always signals holiday baking is underway!
Step 5: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Stir the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk into your butter mixture, blending until creamy and smooth. This combo is your secret weapon for a rich, decadent crumb.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients gradually, folding gently and mixing just until the flour disappears. This careful blending keeps your loaf soft instead of dense.
Step 7: Fold in Cranberries, Orange Zest, and Nuts
Now for the magic—gently fold in your cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if you’re using them). Spread these vibrant additions evenly for a loaf bursting with holiday flair in every slice.
Step 8: Pour, Top, and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. For sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the aroma fill your kitchen!
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let your loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice up your masterpiece and admire those cranberry-studded, orange-flecked slices.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
For a striking finish, dust your cooled loaf with powdered sugar or drizzle it with an orange glaze (simply whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until pourable). A sprinkling of candied orange peel or sugared cranberries adds a spectacular festive touch, turning your Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe into a centerpiece-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your slices with a steaming cup of spiced chai, hot chocolate, or a frothy cappuccino to bring out the loaf’s citrusy notes. For holiday brunches, a platter of fresh fruit and creamy cheeses alongside your loaf balances the sweet-tart flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting, wrap thick slices in parchment and tie them with twine or ribbon. Serve individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries, or present the entire loaf on a wooden board studded with whole cranberries and tiny pinecones for a rustic, Instagram-ready effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe moist for days, wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious overnight!
Freezing
This loaf freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly in foil followed by a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months. Pop a frozen loaf in your bag for a ready-to-go hostess gift or impromptu holiday brunch.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes (covered loosely with foil). This revives the texture and brings out those vibrant flavors again.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but for best results, soak dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10–15 minutes before adding, as this will plump them up and prevent the loaf from becoming dry.
Can I make this Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend 1:1 for the regular flour. Just double-check your baking powder and other add-ins for hidden gluten if needed.
How do I know when my loaf is done?
The surest way is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a crumb or two (no wet batter), it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this loaf in advance for a party?
Yes! In fact, the flavors in the Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe become even more vibrant after a day or two. Simply store it tightly wrapped and slice right before serving.
What’s the best way to add an orange glaze?
Mix about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for a bright, tangy finish that accentuates the cranberries beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe truly captures the flavors and spirit of the holidays. Every slice is bursting with color, aroma, and joy. I hope you’ll give this festive recipe a try and make it a delicious part of your own celebrations—it’s sure to become a new favorite with your family and friends!
Print
Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe is a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday baking. Loaded with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and nuts, this sweet bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in sour cream and milk until combined.
- Combine and fold: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra holiday flavor, drizzle with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice).
- This loaf freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
